Networked evacuation system

ABSTRACT

A method includes determining, by a sensor node in communication with a communication network, an evacuation condition, retrieving by a decision node, occupancy information pertaining to an area, retrieving area data, and determining an evacuation route, at least in part using the evacuation condition, occupancy information, and area data, and communicating the determined evacuation route to area occupants.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of pending U.S. applicationSer. No. 17/086,578 filed Nov. 2, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/364,032, filed Jan. 28, 2019 (Now U.S. Pat. No.10,849,067), which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/468,532, filed Mar. 24, 2017 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,244,474), which isa continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/209,472, filed Mar. 13,2014 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,609,594), which claims priority to U.S.Provisional App. No. 61/789,084 filed on Mar. 15, 2013, the entiredisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Most homes, office buildings, stores, etc. are equipped with one or moresmoke detectors. In the event of a fire, the smoke detectors areconfigured to detect smoke and sound an alarm. The alarm, which isgenerally a series of loud beeps or buzzes, is intended to alertindividuals of the fire such that the individuals can evacuate thebuilding. Unfortunately, with the use of smoke detectors, there arestill many casualties every year caused by building fires and otherhazardous conditions. Confusion in the face of an emergency, poorvisibility, unfamiliarity with the building, etc. can all contribute tothe inability of individuals to effectively evacuate a building.Further, in a smoke detector equipped building with multiple exits,individuals have no way of knowing which exit is safest in the event ofa fire or other evacuation condition. As such, the inventors haveperceived an intelligent evacuation system with multiple nodes that arein communication with one another and external devices to helpindividuals successfully evacuate a building in the event of anevacuation condition.

SUMMARY

An illustrative method includes determining, by a first node in acommunication network, a listening schedule to be used by the firstnode. The listening schedule is based at least in part on a battery lifeof the first node. The method also includes transmitting, by the firstnode, the listening schedule to a second node in the communicationnetwork such that the second node is able to communicate with the firstnode in accordance with the listening schedule.

An illustrative first node includes a memory, a processor operativelycoupled to the memory, and a transmitter operatively coupled to theprocessor. The processor is configured to determine a listening scheduleto be used by the first node. The listening schedule is based at leastin part on a battery life of the first node. The transmitter isconfigured to transmit the listening schedule to a second node in thecommunication network such that the second node is able to communicatewith the first node in accordance with the listening schedule.

An illustrative non-transitory computer-readable medium hascomputer-readable instructions stored thereon for execution by a firstnode in a communication network. The instructions include instructionsto determine a listening schedule to be used by the first node, wherethe listening schedule is based at least in part on a battery life ofthe first node. The instructions also include instructions to transmitthe listening schedule to a second node in the communication networksuch that the second node is able to communicate with the first node inaccordance with the listening schedule.

Other principal features and advantages will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon review of the following drawings, the detaileddescription, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments will hereafter be described with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an evacuation system inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a sensory node in accordance withan illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a decision node in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schedule of a first node and a schedule of a secondnode in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a node edge diagram in accordance with anillustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein is an illustrative communication system for use in anevacuation system that includes multiple nodes in communication with oneanother. The evacuation system can assist individuals with evacuationfrom a structure during an evacuation condition. An illustrativeevacuation system can include one or more sensory nodes configured todetect and/or monitor occupancy and to detect the evacuation condition.Based on the type of evacuation condition, the magnitude (or severity)of the evacuation condition, the location of the sensory node whichdetected the evacuation condition, the occupancy information, and/orother factors, the evacuation system can determine one or moreevacuation routes such that individuals are able to safely evacuate thestructure. The evacuation system can also contact an emergency responsecenter in response to the evacuation condition.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an evacuation system 100 in accordance withan illustrative embodiment. In alternative embodiments, evacuationsystem 100 may include additional, fewer, and/or different components.Evacuation system 100 includes a sensory node 105, a sensory node 110, asensory node 115, and a sensory node 120. In alternative embodiments,additional or fewer sensory nodes may be included. Evacuation system 100also includes a decision node 125 and a decision node 130.Alternatively, additional or fewer decision nodes may be included.

In an illustrative embodiment, sensory nodes 105, 110, 115, and 120 canbe configured to detect an evacuation condition. The evacuationcondition can be a fire, which may be detected by the presence of smokeand/or excessive heat. The evacuation condition may also be anunacceptable level of a toxic gas such as carbon monoxide, nitrogendioxide, etc. Sensory nodes 105, 110, 115, and 120 can be distributedthroughout a structure. The structure can be a home, an office building,a commercial space, a store, a factory, or any other building orstructure. As an example, a single story office building can have one ormore sensory nodes in each office, each bathroom, each common area, etc.An illustrative sensory node is described in more detail with referenceto FIG. 2 .

Sensory nodes 105, 110, 115, and 120 can also be configured to detectand/or monitor occupancy such that evacuation system 100 can determineone or more optimal evacuation routes. For example, sensory node 105 maybe placed in a conference room of a hotel. Using occupancy detection,sensory node 105 can know that there are approximately 80 individuals inthe conference room at the time of an evacuation condition. Evacuationsystem 100 can use this occupancy information (i.e., the number ofindividuals and/or the location of the individuals) to determine theevacuation route(s). For example, evacuation system 100 may attempt todetermine at least two safe evacuation routes from the conference roomto avoid congestion that may occur if only a single evacuation route isdesignated. Occupancy detection and monitoring are described in moredetail with reference to FIG. 2 .

Decision nodes 125 and 130 can be configured to determine one or moreevacuation routes upon detection of an evacuation condition. Decisionnodes 125 and 130 can determine the one or more evacuation routes basedon occupancy information such as a present occupancy or an occupancypattern of a given area, the type of evacuation condition, the magnitudeof the evacuation condition, the location(s) at which the evacuationcondition is detected, the layout of the structure, etc. The occupancypattern can be learned over time as the nodes monitor areas duringquiescent conditions. Upon determination of the one or more evacuationroutes, decision nodes 125 and 130 and/or sensory nodes 105, 110, 115,and 120 can convey the evacuation route(s) to the individuals in thestructure. In an illustrative embodiment, the evacuation route(s) can beconveyed as audible voice evacuation messages through speakers ofdecision nodes 125 and 130 and/or sensory nodes 105, 110, 115, and 120.Alternatively, the evacuation route(s) can be conveyed by any othermethod. An illustrative decision node is described in more detail withreference to FIG. 3 .

Sensory nodes 105, 110, 115, and 120 can communicate with decision nodes125 and 130 through a network 135. Network 135 can be a distributedintelligent network such that evacuation system 100 can make decisionsbased on sensory input from any nodes in the population of nodes. In anillustrative embodiment, decision nodes 125 and 130 can communicate withsensory nodes 105, 110, 115, and 120 through a short-range or othercommunication network. Decision nodes 125 and 130 can also communicatewith an emergency response center 140 through a telecommunicationsnetwork, the Internet, a PSTN, etc. As such, in the event of anevacuation condition, emergency response center 140 can be automaticallynotified. Emergency response center 140 can be a 911 call center, a firedepartment, a police department, etc.

In the event of an evacuation condition, a sensory node that detectedthe evacuation condition can provide an indication of the evacuationcondition to decision node 125 and/or decision node 130. The indicationcan include an identification and/or location of the sensory node, atype of the evacuation condition, and/or a magnitude of the evacuationcondition. The magnitude of the evacuation condition can include anamount of smoke generated by a fire, an amount of heat generated by afire, an amount of toxic gas in the air, etc. The indication of theevacuation condition can be used by decision node 125 and/or decisionnode 130 to determine evacuation routes.

In an illustrative embodiment, sensory nodes 105, 110, 115, and 120 canalso periodically provide status information to decision node 125 and/ordecision node 130. The status information can include an identificationof the sensory node, location information corresponding to the sensorynode, information regarding battery life, and/or information regardingwhether the sensory node is functioning properly. As such, decisionnodes 125 and 130 can be used as a diagnostic tool to alert a systemadministrator or other user of any problems with sensory nodes 105, 110,115, and 120. Decision nodes 125 and 130 can also communicate statusinformation to one another for diagnostic purposes. The systemadministrator can also be alerted if any of the nodes of evacuationsystem 100 fail to timely provide status information according to aperiodic schedule. In one embodiment, a detected failure or problemwithin evacuation system 100 can be communicated to the systemadministrator or other user via a text message or an e-mail.

In an illustrative embodiment, each of sensory nodes 105, 110, 115, and120 and/or each of decision nodes 125 and 130 can know its location. Thelocation can be global positioning system (GPS) coordinates. In oneembodiment, a computing device 145 can be used to upload the location tosensory nodes 105, 110, 115, and 120 and/or decision nodes 125 and 130.Computing device 145 can be a portable GPS system, a cellular device, alaptop computer, or any other type of communication device configured toconvey the location. As an example, computing device 145 can be aGPS-enabled laptop computer. During setup and installation of evacuationsystem 100, a technician can place the GPS-enabled laptop computerproximate to sensory node 105. The GPS-enabled laptop computer candetermine its current GPS coordinates, and the GPS coordinates can beuploaded to sensory node 105. The GPS coordinates can be uploaded tosensory node 105 wirelessly through network 135 or through a wiredconnection. Alternatively, the GPS coordinates can be manually enteredthrough a user interface of sensory node 105. The GPS coordinates cansimilarly be uploaded to sensory nodes 110, 115, and 120 and decisionnodes 125 and 130. In one embodiment, sensory nodes 105, 110, 115, and120 and/or decision nodes 125 and 130 may be GPS-enabled for determiningtheir respective locations. In one embodiment, each node can have aunique identification number or tag, which may be programmed during themanufacturing of the node. The identification can be used to match theGPS coordinates to the node during installation. Computing device 145can use the identification information to obtain a one-to-one connectionwith the node to correctly program the GPS coordinates over network 135.In an alternative embodiment, GPS coordinates may not be used, and thelocation can be in terms of position with a particular structure. Forexample, sensory node 105 may be located in room five on the third floorof a hotel, and this information can be the location information forsensory node 105. Regardless of how the locations are represented,evacuation system 100 can determine the evacuation route(s) based atleast in part on the locations and a known layout of the structure.

In one embodiment, a zeroing and calibration method may be employed toimprove the accuracy of the indoor GPS positioning informationprogrammed into the nodes during installation. Inaccuracies in GPScoordinates can occur due to changes in the atmosphere, signal delay,the number of viewable satellites, etc., and the expected accuracy ofGPS is usually about 6 meters. To calibrate the nodes and improvelocation accuracy, a relative coordinated distance between nodes can berecorded as opposed to a direct GPS coordinate. Further improvements canbe made by averaging multiple GPS location coordinates at eachperspective node over a given period (i.e., 5 minutes, etc.) duringevacuation system 100 configuration. At least one node can be designatedas a zeroing coordinate location. All other measurements can be madewith respect to the zeroing coordinate location. In one embodiment, theaccuracy of GPS coordinates can further be improved by using an enhancedGPS location band such as the military P(Y) GPS location band.Alternatively, any other GPS location band may be used.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a sensory node 200 in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment. In alternative embodiments, sensorynode 200 may include additional, fewer, and/or different components.Sensory node 200 includes sensor(s) 205, a power source 210, a memory215, a user interface 220, an occupancy unit 225, a transceiver 230, awarning unit 235, and a processor 240. Sensor(s) 205 can include a smokedetector, a heat sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, a nitrogen dioxidesensor, and/or any other type of hazardous condition sensor known tothose of skill in the art. In an illustrative embodiment, power source210 can be a battery. Sensory node 200 can also be hard-wired to thestructure such that power is received from the power supply of thestructure (i.e., utility grid, generator, solar cell, fuel cell, etc.).In such an embodiment, power source 210 can also include a battery forbackup during power outages.

Memory 215 can be configured to store identification informationcorresponding to sensory node 200. The identification information can beany indication through which other sensory nodes and decision nodes areable to identify sensory node 200. Memory 215 can also be used to storelocation information corresponding to sensory node 200. The locationinformation can include global positioning system (GPS) coordinates,position within a structure, or any other information which can be usedby other sensory nodes and/or decision nodes to determine the locationof sensory node 200. In one embodiment, the location information may beused as the identification information. The location information can bereceived from computing device 145 described with reference to FIG. 1 ,or from any other source. Memory 215 can further be used to storerouting information for a mesh network in which sensory node 200 islocated such that sensory node 200 is able to forward information toappropriate nodes during normal operation and in the event of one ormore malfunctioning nodes. Memory 215 can also be used to storeoccupancy information and/or one or more evacuation messages to beconveyed in the event of an evacuation condition. Memory 215 can furtherbe used for storing adaptive occupancy pattern recognition algorithmsand for storing compiled occupancy patterns.

User interface 220 can be used by a system administrator or other userto program and/or test sensory node 200. User interface 220 can includeone or more controls, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or other displayfor conveying information, one or more speakers for conveyinginformation, etc. In one embodiment, a user can utilize user interface220 to record an evacuation message to be played back in the event of anevacuation condition. As an example, sensory node 200 can be located ina bedroom of a small child. A parent of the child can record anevacuation message for the child in a calm, soothing voice such that thechild does not panic in the event of an evacuation condition. An exampleevacuation message can be “wake up Kristin, there is a fire, go out theback door and meet us in the back yard as we have practiced.” Differentevacuation messages may be recorded for different evacuation conditions.Different evacuation messages may also be recorded based on factors suchas the location at which the evacuation condition is detected. As anexample, if a fire is detected by any of sensory nodes one through six,a first pre-recorded evacuation message can be played (i.e., exitthrough the back door), and if the fire is detected at any of nodesseven through twelve, a second pre-recorded evacuation message can beplayed (i.e., exit through the front door). User interface 220 can alsobe used to upload location information to sensory node 200, to testsensory node 200 to ensure that sensory node 200 is functional, toadjust a volume level of sensory node 200, to silence sensory node 200,etc. User interface 220 can also be used to alert a user of a problemwith sensory node 200 such as low battery power or a malfunction. In oneembodiment, user interface 220 can be used to record a personalizedmessage in the event of low battery power, battery malfunction, or otherproblem. For example, if the device is located within a home structure,the pre-recorded message may indicate that “the evacuation detector inthe hallway has low battery power, please change.” User interface 220can further include a button such that a user can report an evacuationcondition and activate the evacuation system.

Occupancy unit 225 can be used to detect and/or monitor occupancy of astructure. As an example, occupancy unit 225 can detect whether one ormore individuals are in a given room or area of a structure. A decisionnode can use this occupancy information to determine an appropriateevacuation route or routes. As an example, if it is known that twoindividuals are in a given room, a single evacuation route can be used.However, if three hundred individuals are in the room, multipleevacuation routes may be provided to prevent congestion. Occupancy unit225 can also be used to monitor occupancy patterns. As an example,occupancy unit 225 can determine that there are generally numerousindividuals in a given room or location between the hours of 8:00 am and6:00 pm on Mondays through Fridays, and that there are few or noindividuals present at other times. A decision node can use thisinformation to determine appropriate evacuation route(s). Informationdetermined by occupancy unit 225 can also be used to help emergencyresponders in responding to the evacuation condition. For example, itmay be known that one individual is in a given room of the structure.The emergency responders can use this occupancy information to focustheir efforts on getting the individual out of the room. The occupancyinformation can be provided to an emergency response center along with alocation and type of the evacuation condition. Occupancy unit 225 canalso be used to help sort rescue priorities based at least in part onthe occupancy information while emergency responders are on route to thestructure.

Occupancy unit 225 can detect/monitor the occupancy using one or moremotion detectors to detect movement. Occupancy unit 225 can also use avideo or still camera and video/image analysis to determine theoccupancy. Occupancy unit 225 can also use respiration detection bydetecting carbon dioxide gas emitted as a result of breathing. Anexample high sensitivity carbon dioxide detector for use in respirationdetection can be the MG-811 CO2 sensor manufactured by Henan HanweiElectronics Co., Ltd. based in Zhengzhou, China. Alternatively, anyother high sensitivity carbon dioxide sensor may be used. Occupancy unit225 can also be configured to detect methane, or any other gas which maybe associated with human presence.

Occupancy unit 225 can also use infrared sensors to detect heat emittedby individuals. In one embodiment, a plurality of infrared sensors canbe used to provide multidirectional monitoring. Alternatively, a singleinfrared sensor can be used to scan an entire area. The infraredsensor(s) can be combined with a thermal imaging unit to identifythermal patterns and to determine whether detected occupants are human,feline, canine, rodent, etc. The infrared sensors can also be used todetermine if occupants are moving or still, to track the direction ofoccupant traffic, to track the speed of occupant traffic, to track thevolume of occupant traffic, etc. This information can be used to alertemergency responders to a panic situation, or to a large captive body ofindividuals. Activities occurring prior to an evacuation condition canbe sensed by the infrared sensors and recorded by the evacuation system.As such, suspicious behavioral movements occurring prior to anevacuation condition can be sensed and recorded. For example, if theevacuation condition was maliciously caused, the recorded informationfrom the infrared sensors can be used to determine how quickly the areawas vacated immediately prior to the evacuation condition. Infraredsensor based occupancy detection is described in more detail in anarticle titled “Development of Infrared Human Sensor” in the MatsushitaElectric Works (MEW) Sustainability Report 2004, the entire disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference.

Occupancy unit 225 can also use audio detection to identify noisesassociated with occupants such as snoring, respiration, heartbeat,voices, etc. The audio detection can be implemented using a highsensitivity microphone which is capable of detecting a heartbeat,respiration, etc. from across a room. Any high sensitivity microphoneknown to those of skill in the art may be used. Upon detection of asound, occupancy unit 225 can utilize pattern recognition to identifythe sound as speech, a heartbeat, respiration, snoring, etc. Occupancyunit 225 can similarly utilize voice recognition and/or pitch tonerecognition to distinguish human and non-human occupants and/or todistinguish between different human occupants. As such, emergencyresponders can be informed whether an occupant is a baby, a small child,an adult, a dog, etc. Occupancy unit 225 can also detect occupants usingscent detection. An example sensor for detecting scent is described inan article by Jacqueline Mitchell titled “Picking Up the Scent” andappearing in the August 2008 Tufts Journal, the entire disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

In one embodiment, occupancy unit 225 can also be implemented as aportable, handheld occupancy unit. The portable occupancy unit can beconfigured to detect human presence using audible sound detection,infrared detection, respiration detection, motion detection, scentdetection, etc. as described above. Firefighters, paramedics, police,etc. can utilize the portable occupancy unit to determine whether anyhuman is present in a room with limited or no visibility. As such, theemergency responders can quickly scan rooms and other areas withoutexpending the time to fully enter the room and perform an exhaustivemanual search. The portable occupancy unit can include one or moresensors for detecting human presence. The portable occupancy unit canalso include a processor for processing detected signals as describedabove with reference to occupancy unit 225, a memory for data storage, auser interface for receiving user inputs, an output for conveyingwhether human presence is detected, etc.

In an alternative embodiment, sensory node 200 (and/or decision node 300described with reference to FIG. 3 ) can be configured to broadcastoccupancy information. In such an embodiment, emergency responsepersonnel can be equipped with a portable receiver configured to receivethe broadcasted occupancy information such that the responder knowswhere any humans are located with the structure. The occupancyinformation can also be broadcast to any other type of receiver. Theoccupancy information can be used to help rescue individuals in theevent of a fire or other evacuation condition. The occupancy informationcan also be used in the event of a kidnapping or hostage situation toidentify the number of victims involved, the number of perpetratorsinvolved, the locations of the victims and/or perpetrators, etc.

Transceiver 230 can include a transmitter for transmitting informationand/or a receiver for receiving information. As an example, transceiver230 of sensory node 200 can receive status information, occupancyinformation, evacuation condition information, etc. from a first sensorynode and forward the information to a second sensory node or to adecision node. Transceiver 230 can also be used to transmit informationcorresponding to sensory node 200 to another sensory node or a decisionnode. For example, transceiver 230 can periodically transmit occupancyinformation to a decision node such that the decision node has theoccupancy information in the event of an evacuation condition.Alternatively, transceiver 230 can be used to transmit the occupancyinformation to the decision node along with an indication of theevacuation condition. Transceiver 230 can also be used to receiveinstructions regarding appropriate evacuation routes and/or theevacuation routes from a decision node. Alternatively, the evacuationroutes can be stored in memory 215 and transceiver 230 may only receivean indication of which evacuation route to convey.

Warning unit 235 can include a speaker and/or a display for conveying anevacuation route or routes. The speaker can be used to play an audiblevoice evacuation message. The evacuation message can be conveyed in oneor multiple languages, depending on the embodiment. If multipleevacuation routes are used based on occupancy information or the factthat numerous safe evacuation routes exist, the evacuation message caninclude the multiple evacuation routes in the alternative. For example,the evacuation message may state “please exit to the left throughstairwell A, or to the right through stairwell B.” The display ofwarning unit 235 can be used to convey the evacuation message in textualform for deaf individuals or individuals with poor hearing. Warning unit235 can further include one or more lights to indicate that anevacuation condition has been detected and/or to illuminate at least aportion of an evacuation route. In the event of an evacuation condition,warning unit 235 can be configured to repeat the evacuation message(s)until a stop evacuation message instruction is received from a decisionnode, until the evacuation system is reset or muted by a systemadministrator or other user, or until sensory node 200 malfunctions dueto excessive heat, etc. Warning unit 235 can also be used to convey astatus message such as “smoke detected in room thirty-five on the thirdfloor.” The status message can be played one or more times in betweenthe evacuation message. In an alternative embodiment, sensory node 200may not include warning unit 235, and the evacuation route(s) may beconveyed only by decision nodes. The evacuation condition may bedetected by sensory node 200, or by any other node in direct or indirectcommunication with sensory node 200.

Processor 240 can be operatively coupled to each of the components ofsensory node 200, and can be configured to control interaction betweenthe components. For example, if an evacuation condition is detected bysensor(s) 205, processor 240 can cause transceiver 230 to transmit anindication of the evacuation condition to a decision node. In response,transceiver 230 can receive an instruction from the decision noderegarding an appropriate evacuation message to convey. Processor 240 caninterpret the instruction, obtain the appropriate evacuation messagefrom memory 215, and cause warning unit 235 to convey the obtainedevacuation message. Processor 240 can also receive inputs from userinterface 220 and take appropriate action. Processor 240 can further beused to process, store, and/or transmit occupancy information obtainedthrough occupancy unit 225. Processor 240 can further be coupled topower source 210 and used to detect and indicate a power failure or lowbattery condition. In one embodiment, processor 240 can also receivemanually generated alarm inputs from a user through user interface 220.As an example, if a fire is accidently started in a room of a structure,a user may press an alarm activation button on user interface 220,thereby signaling an evacuation condition and activating warning unit235. In such an embodiment, in the case of accidental alarm activation,sensory node 200 may inform the user that he/she can press the alarmactivation button a second time to disable the alarm. After apredetermined period of time (i.e., 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds,etc.), the evacuation condition may be conveyed to other nodes and/or anemergency response center through the network.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a decision node 300 in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment. In alternative embodiments, decision node300 may include additional, fewer, and/or different components. Decisionnode 300 includes a power source 305, a memory 310, a user interface315, a transceiver 320, a warning unit 325, and a processor 330. In oneembodiment, decision node 300 can also include sensor(s) and/or anoccupancy unit as described with reference to sensory unit 200 of FIG. 2. In an illustrative embodiment, power source 305 can be the same orsimilar to power source 210 described with reference to FIG. 2 .Similarly, user interface 315 can be the same or similar to userinterface 220 described with reference to FIG. 2 , and warning unit 325can be the same or similar to warning unit 235 described with referenceto FIG. 2 .

Memory 310 can be configured to store a layout of the structure(s) inwhich the evacuation system is located, information regarding thelocations of sensory nodes and other decision nodes, informationregarding how to contact an emergency response center, occupancyinformation, occupancy detection and monitoring algorithms, and/or analgorithm for determining an appropriate evacuation route. Transceiver320, which can be similar to transceiver 230 described with reference toFIG. 2 , can be configured to receive information from sensory nodes andother decision nodes and to transmit evacuation routes to sensory nodesand/or other decision nodes. Processor 330 can be operatively coupled toeach of the components of decision node 300, and can be configured tocontrol interaction between the components.

In one embodiment, decision node 300 can be an exit sign including anEXIT display in addition to the components described with reference toFIG. 3 . As such, decision node 300 can be located proximate an exit ofa structure, and warning unit 325 can direct individuals toward or awayfrom the exit depending on the identified evacuation route(s). In analternative embodiment, all nodes of the evacuation system may beidentical such that there is not a distinction between sensory nodes anddecision nodes. In such an embodiment, all of the nodes can havesensor(s), an occupancy unit, decision-making capability, etc.

In an illustrative embodiment, the nodes described herein can form anetwork and can communicate with one another through the network. Asknown to those of skill in the art, nodes in a network often operate ona schedule in which the node is asleep for a portion of the time andawake for a portion of the time. When the node is asleep, the node isnot listening for communications from other nodes and therefore does notreceive communications. The sleep mode is often used to conserve powerin battery powered nodes. In the awake condition, the node listens forany communications that are directed to the node and is therefore ableto receive communications when the node is in the awake state. However,traditional scheduling algorithms are complicated and storing theschedules themselves requires a large amount of data.

In an illustrative embodiment, each node in the network described hereincan establish its own schedule for when the node wakes up to listen forcommunications from other nodes. A frequency with which the node wakesup is decided by the node and can be based at least in part on a desiredor expected battery life of the node. For example, if the battery lifeof the node is expected to be two years, the node can select a wake upfrequency that will allow the node's battery to last 2 years. Thedetermination of how often to wake up can take into considerationfactors such as existing battery life, desired/expected life of thebattery, amount of time until the desired/expected life of the batteryis reached, etc. The node can also adjust its schedule as time goes onto help ensure that the desired/expected battery life is achieved.

In another illustrative embodiment, the schedule of the node is in termsof a frame composed of one or more time slots (or slots), and a node canbe awake for one slot during each frame. The node itself defines theframe length in terms of a number of slots that are to compose a framefor that node. Each node can have a schedule that is based on adifferent frame length. For example, a first node can determine, basedon its desired/expected battery life, etc., that a frame length for thatnode should be 4 slots. As such, the first node will be awake for 1 slotduring each frame, or 1 out of every 4 slots. A second node candetermine, based on its desired/expected battery life, etc., that aframe length for that node should be 8 slots. As such, the second nodewill be awake for 1slot during each frame, or 1 out of every 8 slots. Inan illustrative embodiment, each node in the network may be required toselect a frame length that is a multiple of 2 (i.e., a frame length of 2slots, 4 slots, 8 slots, 16 slots, 32 slots, etc.). The use of multiplesof 2 for the frame length can reduce the complexity of the schedule andallow the schedule to be conveyed with a small number of bytes using themodulus. In an alternative embodiment, the schedule may include framelengths that are not a multiple of 2.

In one embodiment, each slot may have an absolute slot number, which isessentially a count of the number of slots that have occurred since thenetwork originated. A first slot can have an absolute slot number ofzero, the second slot can have an absolute slot number of 1, the onehundredth slot can have an absolute slot number of 99, etc. FIG. 4illustrates a schedule 400 of a first node and a schedule 405 of asecond node in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The firstnode has a frame length of 4, and two full frames (i.e., frame 410 andframe 415) are illustrated for schedule 400. The second node has a framelength of 8. One full frame 420 and a partial frame are illustrated forthe second node. The absolute slot number (ASN) is illustrated undereach of the schedule diagrams. The slots are also numbered within eachframe.

In an illustrative embodiment, each node distributes its schedule suchthat all neighboring nodes have each other's schedule. Alternatively,all nodes in the network may have the schedule of all other nodes in thenetwork. In an embodiment in which frame sizes for each node are amultiple of 2, the schedule can have a small size such as 4 bytes. Assuch, the schedule can be distributed without consuming much bandwidthin the network. Distribution is discussed in more detail below.

In one embodiment in which a large amount of data is to be distributedby a single node, the single node may force another node to at leasttemporarily use a dedicated schedule. The single node can provide thededicated schedule to the other node and the other node can adopt theschedule and receive information from the single node in accordance withthe dedicated schedule. In such an embodiment, the dedicated schedulemay expire after a given number of slots. Upon expiration of thededicated schedule, the other node may revert back to the schedule ofits choosing.

Because slots are essentially units of time during which a given nodemay be listening for transmissions, it is important that all nodes besynchronized with one another such that the slot corresponding to agiven absolute slot number is the same time period for all nodes.Traditional networks operate with a root node that maintains networktiming for all nodes in the network. In such a traditional network,timing is propagated outward from the root. The timing signal can be,but is not necessarily a broadcast signal. In some traditional networks,to stay in sync, a node may communicate regularly (unicast or otherwise)with a node closer to the root than itself. This creates a situation inwhich the timing drift gets worse as you go farther from the root node.In an extreme case, two nodes that are many hops away from the root maybe in range of each other, but still be out of sync. These nodes may bein sync with their parent nodes (parent meaning closer to the root), butbe out of sync with each other. A distributed synchronization schemefixes this problem. Another problem in traditional networks is that theentire network will crash if the root node goes down because without theroot clock source, the clocks in network nodes will drift relative toone another (due to the inherent drift that occurs in node timingcrystals) until they can no longer communicate. A distributedsynchronization system eliminates the root node and also fixes thisproblem of a single point of failure in the network.

As such, the present network implements node synchronization by havingeach node periodically synchronize with each of its neighboring nodes.For example, a given node may receive synchronization timing signalsfrom 3 neighboring nodes. The given node can then average the timingsignals and adjust its own timing such that the given node has timingcorresponding to the average. In one embodiment, each of the 3 receivedtiming signals may be weighted prior to being averaged. The weighting ofthe timing signals can be based on a number of factors such as distancein the network between nodes, the specific hardware components found ina given node, the prior reliability of the node from which the timingsignal is received, etc. As such, the nodes remain in sync with eachother and there is no need for a root node. Also, because there is noroot node, there will not be a root node crash that could bring down thenetwork.

Traditional networks also use multicast broadcasts to distributeinformation (e.g., timing information, etc.) to all nodes in thenetwork. However, as discussed above, in the present network, each nodecan have its own schedule such that different nodes listen forcommunications at different times. As such, a multicast broadcast willlikely not be received by all nodes in the network. In addition,multicast broadcasts do not result in acknowledgement messages. As such,the broadcasting node does not know which other nodes in the networkactually received the multicast message.

The present network uses schedule dependent unicast messages to ensurethat all nodes in the network receive certain information. As discussedabove, each node in the network is aware of the unique schedule of atleast its immediate neighboring nodes. If a given node has informationthat is to be distributed to all nodes in the network, the given nodedistributes the message to its immediate neighbors as a unicasttransmission based on the known listening schedule of the immediateneighbors. In turn, each of the immediate neighbors transmits themessage as a unicast transmission to its immediate neighbors based onthe known listening schedules of the neighbors, and so on until allnodes in the network receive the message.

In an illustrative embodiment, to help prevent a single node fromreceiving the same message multiple times, an algorithm can be put intoplace to instruct nodes with respect to which neighbors they shouldtransmit. In one embodiment, each node in the network can categorize itsneighboring nodes as incoming nodes or outgoing nodes, where ‘incoming’does not necessarily connote that transmissions are received from thatnode and ‘outgoing’ does not necessarily connote that transmissions aresent to that node. In one embodiment, each node may have a maximum of 2outgoing nodes as neighbors. In another embodiment, each node cantransmit the unicast message to all of its incoming nodes and at most 1of its outgoing nodes. This categorization can be visualized as a nodeedge diagram.

FIG. 5 illustrates a node edge diagram in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. The node edge diagram illustrated in FIG. 5 isa simplified diagram illustrating only 5 nodes for purposes ofexplanation. The nodes include node 500, node 505, node 510, node 515,and node 520. In an illustrative embodiment, each of the nodesillustrated in FIG. 5 can be configured to transmit unicast messages toeach of its incoming nodes (i.e., neighboring nodes from which thearrows in FIG. 5 originate). Each of the nodes may also be configured totransmit to at most one of its outgoing nodes (i.e., neighboring nodesat which the arrows in FIG. 5 are pointing).

As an example, node 500 may have a message that is to be distributed toall nodes in the network. Node 500 has two neighboring nodes that areincoming nodes, node 515 and node 505. In the illustration of FIG. 5 ,node 500 does not have any outgoing nodes. As such, node 500 cantransmit the message to node 515 and node 505. Node 505 can transmit toits only incoming node, which is node 510. Node 505 has a singleoutgoing node, which is node 500. However, node 505 can be configured tonot transmit back to a node from which the message is received. Node 510does not have any incoming nodes, but has node 505 and node 515 asoutgoing nodes. Node 510 can be configured to not transmit the messageback to node 505 because that is a node from which the message isreceived. Node 510 may also receive the message from node 515 becausenode 510 is an incoming node relative to node 515. If node 510 receivesthe message from node 515, node 510 would not transmit the same messageback to node 515. As such, node 510 may not transmit the message. Ifnode 510 does not receive the message from node 515, node 510 maytransmit the message to node 515, because each node can be configured totransmit to at most one outgoing node. Node 515 would not transmit themessage to node 500 because node 515 received the message from node 500.Node 515 would transmit the message to node 520, because node 520 is anincoming node relative to node 515. Node 515 would also transmit themessage to node 510 unless node 515 receives the message from node 510prior to such transmission. In alternative embodiments, differentrouting algorithms may be used.

In an illustrative embodiment, each unicast message that is sent in thenetwork results in an acknowledgement of receipt message being generatedby the receiving node and transmitted to the transmitting node. This isanother advantage over multicast in that traditional multicast messagesdo not result in the generation of acknowledgements and the transmittingnode has no way of knowing that all nodes actually received themulticast broadcast. In another illustrative embodiment, each node caninclude its schedule in each acknowledgement message that it sends. Assuch, neighboring nodes will have accurate knowledge of the schedules ofneighboring nodes. The schedule, which as discussed above can beapproximately 4 bytes, may be included in a header of theacknowledgement message. Alternatively, the schedule may be includedelsewhere in the acknowledgement.

The acknowledgement messages can also include timing information such asa time template, the absolute slot number, etc. of the node transmittingthe message. Transmission of the schedule and timing information in anacknowledgement message also allows new nodes to join the network. A newnode that wants to join the network can listen for acknowledgementmessages and overhear them. Upon overhearing one or more suchacknowledgements, the new node can synchronize itself with the networkand know the listening schedules of at least its neighboring nodes. Theacknowledgement messages can further be used to help reduce conflicts inthe network. For example, if a given node receives acknowledgements from2 other nodes in the network and the 2 other nodes are on the sameschedule, the given node may notify one or both of the 2 nodes thatit/they should change their schedule to help avoid conflicts. Thenotification from the given node to the 1 or 2 other nodes can beincluded in an acknowledgment message or any other type of message. Inone embodiment, a node may be configured to receive a threshold numberof such notifications (e.g., 2, 3, 4, etc.) before actually changing itsschedule.

In an illustrative embodiment, any of the operations described hereincan be implemented at least in part as computer-readable instructionsstored on a computer-readable memory. Upon execution of thecomputer-readable instructions by a processor, the computer-readableinstructions can cause a node to perform the operations.

The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and of description. It is not intended tobe exhaustive or limiting with respect to the precise form disclosed,and modifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosed embodiments.It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claimsappended hereto and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: determining, by a sensornode in communication with a communication network, an evacuationcondition related to an area, retrieving by a decision node, retrievingarea data, occupancy information pertaining to the area, and determiningan evacuation route at least in part using the evacuation condition,occupancy information, and area data, and communicating the determinedevacuation route to area occupants.
 2. The method of claim 1 comprising:determining, by a first node in the communication network, a listeningschedule to be used by the first node, wherein the listening schedule isbased upon timing information received from a plurality of nodes in thecommunication network and an expected battery life of the first node,and wherein the first node combines the timing information received fromthe plurality of nodes to adjust the timing information of the firstnode, wherein determining the listening schedule comprises weighting thetiming information received from the plurality of nodes; andtransmitting, by the first node, the listening schedule to a second nodein the communication network such that the second node is able tocommunicate with the first node in accordance with the listeningschedule.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the listening schedule istransmitted in an acknowledgement message.
 4. The method of claim 2,wherein the listening schedule is further based on a battery life of thefirst node, and wherein the battery life comprises an actual batterylife.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the listening schedule isfurther based on a battery life of the first node, and wherein thebattery life comprises a desired battery life.
 6. The method of claim 2,wherein the listening schedule is further based on a battery life of thefirst node, and wherein the method further comprises adjusting, by thefirst node, the listening schedule based on an updated battery lifeinformation for the first node.
 7. The method of claim 2, wherein thefirst node combines the timing information received from the pluralityof nodes by averaging the timing information received from the pluralityof nodes, and wherein the first node adjusts the timing information ofthe first node based on the averaged timing information.
 8. The methodof claim 7, further comprising weighting, by the first node, the timinginformation received from a third node based at least in part on adistance between the first node and the third node.
 9. A communicationnetwork comprising: a memory; a processor operatively coupled to thememory, wherein the processor is configured to determining, by a sensornode in communication with a communication network, an evacuationcondition related to an area, retrieving by a decision node, retrievingarea data, occupancy information pertaining to the area, and determiningan evacuation route at least in part using the evacuation condition,occupancy information, and area data, and a transmitter operativelycoupled to the processor, wherein the transmitter is configured totransmit the determined evacuation route to area occupants.
 10. Anon-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-readableinstructions stored thereon for execution at least a first processor ofa communication network, the instructions comprising: Instructionscausing a decision node in communication with a communication network toretrieve area data and occupancy information pertaining to an area,instructions causing a sensor node in communication with a communicationnetwork to: determine an evacuation condition related to an area, anddetermine an evacuation route at least in part using the evacuationcondition, occupancy information, and area data; and communicating thedetermined evacuation route to area occupants.